Frankston Sand Sculpture Competition on Easter for Treasure Tuesday

 

The Frankston Annual Sand Sculpture Competition, once a cherished highlight of my childhood, has long held a special place in the cultural life of Melbourne’s coastal regions. Originating in Frankston, this beloved event drew crowds for years with its grand and intricate creations, becoming a seasonal tradition for many families. Some years ago, however, the competition was relocated from its original site, a change that saddened me deeply at the time. To my delight, the event has returned this year to its rightful home in Frankston. I had the pleasure of accompanying my mother to the shoreline, where we spent a delightful day capturing photographs and revisiting old memories. Though the sculptures are now more modest in scale and number, the return of the competition rekindles a sense of joy and nostalgia.

Sony A7RV

Laowa 9mm f5.6 

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Murals in Fitzroy for Mural Monday

 

Fitzroy Murals are vibrant and hippie. 

Fitzroy, Melbourne's oldest suburb, has transformed into a vibrant canvas of street art, reflecting its evolution from a working-class area to a bohemian hub. Its laneways and building facades are adorned with an eclectic mix of murals, graffiti, and installations by both local and international artists. Notable works include the iconic 1984 Keith Haring mural on Johnston Street, the photorealistic portraits by Smug, and the intricate blue patterns of Lucas Grogan. Artists like Rone and Adnate have also left their mark, contributing to the suburb's dynamic and ever-changing art scene. Streets such as Brunswick, Smith, and Gertrude, along with hidden alleys, offer a free, open-air gallery that celebrates creativity and cultural expression.

Sony A7RV

FE 24mm f1.4 GM

Linking Mural Monday

Notes from a podcast

1.          Genuine Confidence: People are drawn to those who are secure in themselves without being arrogant. Confidence shows through body language, tone of voice, and how someone carries themselves. 

2.          Active Listening: Truly paying attention when someone speaks, asking follow-up questions, and showing interest in others’ stories makes people feel valued and appreciated.

3.          Empathy and Understanding: Being able to relate to others’ feelings and perspectives builds trust and deepens connections.

4.          Positive Body Language: Open gestures, eye contact, and a warm smile can instantly make you more approachable and likable.

5.          Authenticity: Being true to yourself instead of trying to fit into someone else’s expectations resonates with people. Authenticity often comes across as refreshing and trustworthy.

6.          Humor and Playfulness: A good sense of humor and the ability to not take yourself too seriously makes interactions light-hearted and enjoyable.

7.          Generosity of Spirit: Complimenting others genuinely, being kind without expecting something in return, and celebrating others’ successes foster goodwill.

8.          Consistency and Reliability: Being dependable and keeping your word builds respect and trust over time.

9.          Non-Judgmental Attitude: People feel safer and more comfortable around those who don’t pass judgment easily and create an accepting environment.

10.        Passion and Enthusiasm: Expressing excitement and passion for your interests can be contagious, making people naturally gravitate towards you.

Alfred Nicholas Garden in Mount Dandenong for Sunday Best

 

During the Easter period, I accompanied my mother on a stroll and light exercise in the garden. As is often the case, the grounds were bustling with activity. The foliage had not yet taken on its golden autumnal hues. I shall be away for the next fortnight, and thus may miss the opportunity to witness the full splendour of the season there. As the garden is open to the public without charge, it attracts a diverse array of visitors from various cultural backgrounds, many of whom gather for leisurely picnics.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Check out Sunday Best

Joel and I reminisced about our former schoolmates from high school, reflecting on the many friends we have lost since those days. It proved to be an enjoyable exercise in reliving memories of that time.

Piranha in Taipei Aquarium for Saturday Critter

 

While visiting an aquarium in Taipei, I came face-to-face with a creature that’s as infamous as it is fascinating — a piranha. Nestled behind the glass of its tank, the fish hovered with a stillness that somehow made it even more unsettling. Its sleek, silvery body shimmered under the tank lights, but what truly drew my attention were its teeth.

Razor-sharp and tightly packed, the piranha's teeth looked like something out of a horror movie. Even from behind glass, they gave off a sense of menace. It wasn’t hard to imagine how they earned their reputation — built for tearing flesh with frightening efficiency, they seemed almost too intense for such a small creature.

Despite their fearsome appearance, I found myself captivated rather than afraid. There was something mesmerizing about the contrast between their calm, quiet movement and the violence their teeth implied. In that moment, I realized why the piranha has such a legendary place in the natural world — it's a perfect example of nature’s balance between beauty and danger.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Saturday Critter

It has been raining heavily in Swan Hill, and the inclement weather is expected to persist throughout the weekend. I have just completed watching the entire series The Penguin. It is a most riveting production, steeped in anguish and tragedy, and peopled with eccentric, often unpredictable characters.

Lake Tyrrell Sky Mirror for Skywatch Friday

 

In the fleeting minutes of twilight, just before Lake Tyrrell succumbs to complete darkness, there occurs a moment of rare and ethereal beauty. Beneath a cloudless sky, the lake’s surface reflects a magnificent wash of pink and violet hues, as if the heavens themselves have descended to meet the earth. This phenomenon—revered by many and often referred to as the "sky mirror"—is among the lake’s most iconic and mesmerising scenes.

I have been fortunate to capture numerous such moments, preserving in photographs the tranquil majesty of this place. There exist a few secret vantage points just off the Salts Road track, where the reflections are particularly vivid and the view unobstructed. Yet, the terrain here can be unforgiving. Vehicles often find themselves marooned, their wheels sunk deep into the treacherous mud that lies hidden beneath the salt-encrusted surface.

Lake Tyrrell, whose name derives from the Boorong word for “sky,” is not only a site of visual splendour but also of profound cultural heritage. The Boorong people, part of the Wergaia nation, have long regarded this lake as a sacred space. For millennia, they have observed the stars and mapped the heavens from its shores, embedding the night sky into their stories, ceremonies, and understanding of the world.

Thus, as twilight falls and the lake is transformed into a mirror of the cosmos, one senses not only nature’s grandeur but also the enduring legacy of those who first understood its deeper meaning. In that stillness, history and beauty are one.

Sony A7RV

FE 14mm f1.8 GM

Linking Skywatch Friday

Note to Self,

5 Hindrances to Self-Mastery

1. Sensual desire (sight/touch/taste/smell/hearing) = Am I addicted?

2. Ill will / aversion = Am I feeling a negative emotion?

3. Dullness / heaviness = Am I unmotivated?

4. Restlessness = Is my mind jumping from thought to thought?

5. Sceptical doubt = Am I indecisive?

RAIN (is the solution)

Recognise which one you're experiencing

Accept that's what you're experiencing

Investigate why you're experiencing it 

Non-identify with that experience.

Lake Tyrrell Pastels for Water H2O Thursday

 

Each time I undertake the journey from Melbourne to the more remote regions of Victoria for rural engagements, I find myself invariably drawn to Lake Tyrrell. Situated near the modest township of Sea Lake, this ancient salt lake never ceases to captivate me, particularly at dusk.

Over the years, I have amassed an extensive collection of photographs—sunsets captured in their full splendour, each image a testament to the lake’s ever-changing disposition. The sky, in its myriad hues of violet, gold, and crimson, reflects upon the mirror-like surface of the salt flats, transforming the landscape into a vast and luminous tableau. It is as though nature has claimed Lake Tyrrell as its canvas, rendering a new masterpiece with every setting sun.

Yet the lake's significance extends far beyond its aesthetic allure. Its name, Tyrrell, is derived from the language of the Boorong people, a clan of the Wergaia nation and the traditional custodians of this land. For thousands of years, they have lived in harmony with this environment, drawing upon the stars for navigation and storytelling, and regarding the lake as a place of spiritual and cultural importance. In their tongue, Tyrrell signifies “sky,” an appellation most fitting for a place where the heavens seem to meet the earth.

With each visit, I am reminded that Lake Tyrrell is not merely a picturesque stop along my route—it is a place steeped in antiquity, serenity, and meaning. It welcomes quietly, yet profoundly, with its timeless beauty and enduring stories.

Sony A7RV

FE 14mm f1.8 GM

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Amidst the recent flurry of news concerning tariff disputes, Joel and I have exchanged numerous messages, keeping a vigilant eye on the fluctuations of the stock market. Joel, in particular, finds himself especially unsettled, having made a somewhat premature investment in certain ETFs tied to the U.S. markets. We are both, in essence, enduring a veritable catecholaminergic storm.

The entertainment rides at South Bank Melbourne for Sign2

 

In Melbourne, the same amusement rides travel across the state, appearing at various festivals. I have photographed these very rides in locations such as the Mornington Peninsula, Birrarung Marr, and Frankston.

Sony A7RV

FE 50mm f1.2 GM

Linking Sign2

I shall be away for a fortnight, having undertaken additional locum work. This will entail further travel and the accompanying mental adjustments. I have recently subscribed to Max Online, which offers a wide selection of HBO films. I trust these will prove a welcome diversion on days when I seek a moment of quiet repose.

Da Xi Japanese architecture for Treasure Tuesday

 

Dàxī, a township in Taiwan, is renowned for its longstanding tradition of soy production. Beyond its culinary significance, the area is distinguished by a remarkable preservation of Japanese-era architecture—residences and structures that date back to the period of Japanese colonial rule from 1895 to 1945. These wooden houses, with their delicate carpentry, tiled roofs, and modest elegance, evoke a quiet nostalgia and stand as enduring symbols of a bygone era.

Curiously, unlike many post-colonial societies where resentment often lingers toward former occupiers, Taiwan exhibits a notably different sentiment. There exists, particularly among older generations, a sense of admiration and even fondness for the period of Japanese rule—often in contrast to the more complex and strained relationship with mainland China. This enduring affection is reflected not only in the preservation of architecture but in aspects of culture, infrastructure, and education that were shaped during the colonial era.

For me, these Japanese-era dwellings possess a certain wistful charm. Their presence stirs reflections on history, identity, and the nuanced nature of collective memory—a testament to how architecture can quietly narrate the legacy of a place and its people.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Intimacy may be defined as the state in which one feels no fear in revealing one's true self before another, untroubled by the prospect of judgment or estrangement.

Fitzroy Melbourne Murals for Mural Monday

 

Having learned that walking may serve not only as exercise but also as a gentle aid to muscular recovery, I resolved to take a stroll through the streets of Fitzroy—a suburb renowned for its walkability and rich artistic heritage. As I wandered amidst its laneways and thoroughfares, I passed beneath the storied murals that adorn its brick facades, each a testament to the suburb’s longstanding tradition of street art, born in the countercultural movements of the late twentieth century. These vibrant expressions seemed to echo the rhythm of my steps, weaving history and healing into every stride.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Brisbane Night Ferris Wheel Long Exposure for Sunday Best

 

To undertake the task of long exposure photography amidst the throngs of Brisbane’s bustling South Bank is to court both patience and fortune. The city, vibrant and unceasing in its rhythm, seldom affords the stillness such a technique demands. Yet there, among the restless footsteps and the murmur of daily life, stands a quiet marvel — the Wheel of Brisbane — solemn, grand, and ever-turning.

Erected in 2008 to commemorate the sesquicentennial of Queensland, the Ferris wheel is no mere amusement; it is a modern monument, a gentle giant by the river’s edge, offering sweeping views and enduring symbolism. It revolves steadily, indifferent to the ceaseless passage of pedestrians below, many of whom scarcely glance upward. It is, in its way, a keeper of time — not by ticking hands, but by its own slow revolution.

To photograph such a subject using long exposure is to attempt an act of reverence. The camera, when held in stillness with the shutter drawn open, does not simply record an image — it collects time itself. Light weaves its threads across the frame, motion becomes memory, and all that is unmoving grows luminous and sharp.

Yet therein lies the challenge: the constancy of human movement. Strangers wander unbidden into the composition, their forms becoming translucent echoes — smudges of presence that both enrich and disrupt the clarity of the scene. The Wheel, by contrast, remains serene — turning, yes, but in such a measured fashion that it may appear suspended in time if one is patient and precise.

There is, in this pursuit, a certain poetry. As I adjusted my lens and steadied my breath, I began to perceive the act not merely as photography, but as a conversation between permanence and transience. The Ferris wheel — emblem of modern celebration, built upon a foundation of history — stood as the anchor. Around it, the city’s people flowed like a living river.

And in one fortunate moment — a moment gifted more by grace than by skill — the exposure yielded a quiet revelation. The wheel shone, sharp and majestic, while the crowd had melted into gentle motion, like ghosts in passing. Time, for an instant, had folded, and Brisbane had revealed its dual nature: ever-changing, yet ever the same.

Such is the beauty of capturing the ephemeral. The camera does not merely steal a moment — it elevates it. And in the luminous whirl of Brisbane’s Ferris wheel, we glimpse not only the present, but the echo of what has been and the promise of what may come.

Sony A7RV

Laowa 9mm f5.6

Linking Sunday Best

Koi in Taipei for Saturday Critter

 

A Still Pond and Gasping Koi: A Story of Life Below the Surface

In the tranquil gardens of Taipei, where the scent of orchids lingers and the air hums with the rhythm of cicadas, the pond in front of the botanic garden shimmered like glass. Beneath the surface, a mass of koi glided flashes of gold, amber, and crimson weaving between ripples and bubbles.

But there was something unusual. The koi, instead of cruising lazily through the water, clustered near the surface, mouths gaping repeatedly in what looked like gasps for air.

This wasn’t just feeding behavior. It was a silent biological cry for help.

Koi, like all fish, rely on dissolved oxygen in the water to breathe. Their gills extract oxygen molecules from the water as it passes over delicate filaments. Under normal circumstances, koi are content near the bottom or mid-layers of a pond, surfacing only occasionally to feed.

However, when oxygen levels in the water drop—especially in warm, stagnant ponds with a high density of fish—koi are forced to the surface, where oxygen is slightly more abundant due to air-water exchange. This behavior is called surface gasping, and it’s a classic sign of hypoxia—low dissolved oxygen.

Several biological and environmental factors could be at play here:

• High stocking density: A large school of koi in a confined space consumes a significant amount of oxygen, especially at night when plants and algae also switch to respiration and compete for oxygen.

• Warm temperatures: Warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen. In summer, especially in tropical or subtropical climates like Taipei's, ponds heat up quickly, reducing available oxygen even further.

• Poor circulation: Without proper aeration or water movement, oxygen does not circulate well, and the lower layers of the pond can become hypoxic or even anoxic (completely lacking oxygen).

• Water quality issues: Accumulation of waste from the koi (ammonia, nitrates) and decaying plant material can lead to eutrophication—a nutrient overload that triggers algae blooms. These blooms, when they die off, consume massive amounts of oxygen during decomposition.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Saturday Critter

I am restarting the whole 8 seasons of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. It reminds me of university years. 

Flinders Blowhole Sunset for Skywatch Friday

 

This photograph was taken last weekend. The shutter speed was set slightly slow, producing an effect I found more appealing than that of a long exposure. The sky appeared particularly dramatic, and the waves crashing against the rocks were strikingly turbulent.

Wishing everyone a joyful Easter.

I have ordered a special cake from a boutique pâtisserie — a chocolate mousse delicately enrobed in pear cream — which I look forward to sharing with my mother.

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f4 G

Linking Skywatch Friday

Over the past fortnight, I have indulged in viewing all six seasons of Schitt’s Creek. At the outset, the series appeared somewhat clichéd, with a rather uninspired storyline. However, by the third season, it began to reveal a remarkable depth and charm. The romantic arc between Patrick and David, in particular, proved to be both refreshing and heartfelt. Each character was afforded the opportunity for full development, to the extent that, by the series’ conclusion, the actors and actresses felt like dear friends and cherished members of one’s own family. It was with a touch of melancholy that I bid farewell to the show as it drew to a close.

Flinders Blowhole, Mornington Peninsula for Water H2O Thursday

 

Over the weekend, Joel and I made another visit to Flinders Blowhole. We chose this destination due to its relatively short driving distance and our desire to explore a different side of the location. The outcome was satisfactory; I managed to capture several seascapes that I found quite pleasing.

With the Easter holidays approaching, the weather forecast predicts rain and storms. Joel and I had intended to go birdwatching in several nature reserves around Melbourne, but given the conditions, it is unlikely to go as planned. I may simply remain at home and follow the news from the United States.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

After enduring a total of eight hours of travel merely to deliver a four-hour lecture, the return journey to Melbourne proved even more exhausting, not least due to an unsettling encounter on the road. I became the target of a distressing incident of road rage: a truck followed me closely for approximately one-third of the journey, only to overtake me abruptly and then proceed to slow down significantly, seemingly with the intent of making my drive as uncomfortable as possible. One is left to wonder—what has become of civility among people?

Lego Museum Signs for Sign2

 

These are signs on some of the Lego Displays in Lego show at Exhibition Centre in Melbourne. Sometimes a good visit to indoor location is very worthwhile

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sign2

I have recently taken up the practice of Tai Chi, primarily in pursuit of improved health and gentle exercise that minimizes the risk of injury. Though I have never subscribed to the traditional notion of "qi," I must admit that, after merely three weeks, I have begun to notice a welcome firmness in my muscles.

This morning, I am preparing to deliver yet another guest lecture on the subjects of osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Amusingly, it seems I must first reacquaint myself with the most recent peer-reviewed journals to refresh my memory on the latest findings.

More Sanxia Shrine from Taipei for Treasure Tuesday

 

The abundance of carvings and ornate details within this shrine is truly astounding. Every corner is adorned with oriental artistry, rich in history and narrative. The tales of the Three Pure Ones in Taoism echo the complexity of Greek mythology, filled with themes of human nature—betrayal, intrigue, and divine powers. Were it not for my interest in photography, I might have passed by the shrine without so much as a second glance.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking to Treasure Tuesday